As a fan of rock star romances I'm thrilled to introduce you to this series starter set in the music world featuring a battle of the sexes over representation of a band on the cusp of success. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Beautiful Crazy by Kasey Lane, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf. In honor of this first installment in the Rock 'n' Ink series make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win 5 copies of this book too!
“You confound me. You’re all these maddening contradictions that don’t make any sense… And I can’t get enough of your special brand of beautiful crazy."
She’s a rocker with attitude and ink...
He’s a sexy suit who gets what he wants
Kevan Landry is trying to keep her life on track and her brother in rehab. If her fledgling marketing firm can sign the hot new band, Manix Curse, it will make a world of difference. Mason Dillon heads the most successful music PR firm in Portland. He’s desperate to breathe new life into the company by signing Manix Curse...
The last thing either one needs is a one-night stand with a smoldering stranger...
The stakes are high when a battle for the band—in the bedroom and the boardroom—becomes a battle of the heart. But if these two can set aside their differences, they may find they’re the right mix of sexy savvy to conquer both their worlds.
She’s a rocker with attitude and ink...
He’s a sexy suit who gets what he wants
Kevan Landry is trying to keep her life on track and her brother in rehab. If her fledgling marketing firm can sign the hot new band, Manix Curse, it will make a world of difference. Mason Dillon heads the most successful music PR firm in Portland. He’s desperate to breathe new life into the company by signing Manix Curse...
The last thing either one needs is a one-night stand with a smoldering stranger...
The stakes are high when a battle for the band—in the bedroom and the boardroom—becomes a battle of the heart. But if these two can set aside their differences, they may find they’re the right mix of sexy savvy to conquer both their worlds.
EXCERPT:
She smiled, staring down at the table for a moment before looking into his expectant face. “So what were we talking about?"
His mouth twisted into a teasing smile, and little crinkles appeared around his eyes, making him even more gorgeous. Mason reached up and brushed her hair back again, tangling his fingers in her locks. Instinctively, she rolled her head back into his grasp and stared into his eyes. She could swim in his sultry gaze for days, like a parched nomad during an extended drought. In the desert. And no oasis in sight.
“We were talking about the bands,” he said.
“Right. What did you think of the bands?"
Dropping his hand to her neck, he began to rub in small, gentle circles with rough,calloused fingers. His warm fingers on her cool skin melted her tense muscles, and she tried unsuccessfully to suppress a moan. When Dana delivered their drinks. Mason paid the bill and included a generous tip.
“Both were quite good,” he said. “Toast needs some time to mature as a band, but ManixCurse is phenomenal. Great sound and stage presence."
Her chin dropped, and she looked down her nose as he reached for his water. “You’re a fan of metal, Mr. Armani Fancy Pants? You seem as conventional as a vanilla shake."
He coughed, water splattering the table. “Wow. That’s what I look like to you?"
Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he patted his damp face. Classy. Of course he has a frigging hanky.
“I happen to like vanilla shakes. And, yes, you’re a very good-looking, tall suit. How tall are you? Six and a half feet?"
Tucking the damp cloth back into his pocket, he nodded. “About. I assure you I’m far more interesting than plain vanilla. Come home with me."
His hands gently caressed down the sides of her face and pulled her in for a kiss. The heat from his hands told her one thing: together they would be an inferno. He looked into her eyes, silently requesting her compliance by agreeing to spend the night with him. She nodded, or at least she thought she did. He pressed his full mouth over hers, caressing her lips with his before parting them. Her galloping pulse shot to a sprint and was bolting for the finish line. His tongue explored her mouth with tenderness and determination. It was the slowest, deepest kiss she’d had. Ever. The man could kiss. That was for fucking sure.
The tiny remnant of Kevan’s capacity for reason that still remained told her she should push him away. This was moving way too quickly. But it was hard to deny the magnetic pull of her body to his that she’d felt even before almost landing in his lap.
As the kiss deepened, all rational thought seeped away, leaving only her need. Kevan pushed her palms up under Mason’s coat, and his solid muscles flexed beneath his shirt. She was definitely considering throwing her self-imposed celibacy to the wind and jumping this man. Her eyelids floated shut when one of his hands brushed her neck and swept down her back, his mouth catching her moan. She could feel the dampness starting to build between her legs and the flutter in her lower belly. Was she really allowing a stranger to practically feel her up in public?
Yes, yes she was. For now, it was such a relief to let the world—her brother, her financial problems—fall away.
Mason pulled her closer, his hard body against her soft one. For the first time, Kevan felt small and delicate next to his overwhelming size. She couldn’t shake the sense of safety and protection that engulfed her as he cradled her in his strong arms. Which, of course, was ridiculous, since he was a complete stranger.
She knitted her fingers through his thick curls, and her other hand skated over his shoulder, slowly outlining his rigid and defined body beneath her fingers. Compelled to see his face, she opened her eyes and was surprised to see him looking at her with hooded lids, watching her every wanton reaction. She felt him smile against her lips, and he moved his mouth delicately across her jawline and to her neck.
“Please come home with me.” His deep voice implored her to give in. He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose gently, almost chastely. “I promise I’ll be worth it.” One hand held her tightly above the waist and traveled up her rib cage, where his thumb brushed the underside of her aching breast, making her clit throb and her knees tremble with want. His other hand on the back of her neck tilted her head so he could have unrestricted access to her throat. His mouth touched her skin and his nibbles increased, turning more aggressive when he suddenly bit her earlobe.
She gasped the word “no."
He leaned back to look at her face. His sexy smile fell. She took perverse satisfaction in realizing this man was not used to being told no. She chose to ignore the voice in her head telling her No shallow hookups, no normal guys. Focus on business and business only.
“But I might bring you home with me,” she said. Screw her plan. Why couldn’t she have one night in the arms of a really hot guy? She could totally do a one-night stand. Right?
The corner of his lush mouth jumped, and those eyes twinkled with mischief. “Oh, you will.”
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
Into the gritty world of rock 'n' roll comes this fun and flirty romance of opposites attracting amidst a crackling battle of the sexes. With its unique main couple and colorful cast of secondary characters this is an entertaining series starter with its nice balance of steamy encounters with just a bit of familial angst that ultimately has me clamoring for more.
Kevan is a girly-girl with her retro look and buxom body who has fought people's preconceived notions since she was young. From an abusive father who never thought she'd amount to anything other than looking pretty, to being a married man's dirty little secret, she's tired of being only a pretty face. After numerous wrong turns in her life choices she's finally found her calling in managing musicians and will do anything to succeed and prove her naysayers wrong. With her business almost bankrupt and her brother in rehab though, her newest plan to sign the heavy metal band Manix Curse becomes a do or die mission. When she realizes her recent one-night stand is her competition it leads to a battle of the sexes teeming with sexual tension that takes on some emotional twists and turns as they find it difficult to keep their hands off each other. As the Manix Curse tour races down the highway so too does their competition, as well as their deepening connection. When mysterious pitfalls point to sabotage for her business her entire future is put in doubt along with her chance at HEA. Kevan's a strong-willed woman who's always had only her brother Bowen to count on as he was the one protecting her throughout their childhood. With his addiction raging out of control she's the one who now needs to save him which makes it imperative that she sign Manix Curse despite her doubts and the honor of most men. Mason reawakens her jaded heart and has her seeing him in a forever kind of light until her long-held fears, and an act of betrayal, have her pushing him away in heartbreak. Throughout the story Kevan's a ball of energy, unique and exotic in her looks and demeanor, and is an unforgettable heroine. She values loyalty and is slow to call others friend, but those few who have captured her friendship are a close-knit and colorful group who I look forward to seeing more of.
Mason's a suit and tie kind of guy, regimented in his life, and serious about his career. His childhood was one of familial expectations with longing to do as he desired which led to loneliness for him. Disappointment from his parents reigned when he chose music management as his career but it's made him a success...though it's tempered with one-night stands and going home alone. Meeting the exotic Kevan is like being hit by lightening, with a crackling connection and an intense sensual vibe that he doesn't want to ignore. Opposites attract and is what fuels his obsession for her as she brings life and color to his drab existence. She reawakens his hardened heart with her fun and flirty nature and together they burn up the pages. When their competition gets personal he'll have to decide which side he wants to fight for in an endearing conclusion. Mason's a sexy beast not afraid to claim Kevan the moment he sees her but lets his fears weigh on him when it comes to commitment. He's an honorable man who stands up for what's right when it comes to business and it's what ultimately alters his future.
On a whole this was a satisfying romance. The connection between Kevan and Mason was scorching and evolved through fun and flirty interactions during their engaging battle for supremacy. Their bedroom encounters brought out dominance in both of them as well as playfulness and were nicely balanced with their wartime acts. They're a compelling and formidable couple and I loved their differences which worked perfectly together. The bad guys in the story were obvious from the start and it frustrated me that Kevan didn't notice the truth considering her untrusting nature. The misunderstandings between them were equally frustrating but were luckily resolved quickly. Surrounding this decadently delightful main couple comes a secondary cast that's colorful, exotic, and sexy and have me longing to see more of them. Among those most fascinating are drummer Jax who seems a bit sad and who oozes a vibe of mystery along with the bruised and slightly broken Bowen. His hurt over not being there when Kevan needed him was palpable and was a redeeming quality after all the pain his addiction wrought which has me rooting for him wholeheartedly. From start to finish this was a fast-paced read set on the outskirts of the music world. Concerts and the promotions leading up to the show were depicted but were mostly a reflection of the battle between Kevan and Mason. The romance and characters captivated me from the very start and I'm left counting down the days until we revisit the boys and girls of Manix Curse!
Kevan is a girly-girl with her retro look and buxom body who has fought people's preconceived notions since she was young. From an abusive father who never thought she'd amount to anything other than looking pretty, to being a married man's dirty little secret, she's tired of being only a pretty face. After numerous wrong turns in her life choices she's finally found her calling in managing musicians and will do anything to succeed and prove her naysayers wrong. With her business almost bankrupt and her brother in rehab though, her newest plan to sign the heavy metal band Manix Curse becomes a do or die mission. When she realizes her recent one-night stand is her competition it leads to a battle of the sexes teeming with sexual tension that takes on some emotional twists and turns as they find it difficult to keep their hands off each other. As the Manix Curse tour races down the highway so too does their competition, as well as their deepening connection. When mysterious pitfalls point to sabotage for her business her entire future is put in doubt along with her chance at HEA. Kevan's a strong-willed woman who's always had only her brother Bowen to count on as he was the one protecting her throughout their childhood. With his addiction raging out of control she's the one who now needs to save him which makes it imperative that she sign Manix Curse despite her doubts and the honor of most men. Mason reawakens her jaded heart and has her seeing him in a forever kind of light until her long-held fears, and an act of betrayal, have her pushing him away in heartbreak. Throughout the story Kevan's a ball of energy, unique and exotic in her looks and demeanor, and is an unforgettable heroine. She values loyalty and is slow to call others friend, but those few who have captured her friendship are a close-knit and colorful group who I look forward to seeing more of.
Mason's a suit and tie kind of guy, regimented in his life, and serious about his career. His childhood was one of familial expectations with longing to do as he desired which led to loneliness for him. Disappointment from his parents reigned when he chose music management as his career but it's made him a success...though it's tempered with one-night stands and going home alone. Meeting the exotic Kevan is like being hit by lightening, with a crackling connection and an intense sensual vibe that he doesn't want to ignore. Opposites attract and is what fuels his obsession for her as she brings life and color to his drab existence. She reawakens his hardened heart with her fun and flirty nature and together they burn up the pages. When their competition gets personal he'll have to decide which side he wants to fight for in an endearing conclusion. Mason's a sexy beast not afraid to claim Kevan the moment he sees her but lets his fears weigh on him when it comes to commitment. He's an honorable man who stands up for what's right when it comes to business and it's what ultimately alters his future.
On a whole this was a satisfying romance. The connection between Kevan and Mason was scorching and evolved through fun and flirty interactions during their engaging battle for supremacy. Their bedroom encounters brought out dominance in both of them as well as playfulness and were nicely balanced with their wartime acts. They're a compelling and formidable couple and I loved their differences which worked perfectly together. The bad guys in the story were obvious from the start and it frustrated me that Kevan didn't notice the truth considering her untrusting nature. The misunderstandings between them were equally frustrating but were luckily resolved quickly. Surrounding this decadently delightful main couple comes a secondary cast that's colorful, exotic, and sexy and have me longing to see more of them. Among those most fascinating are drummer Jax who seems a bit sad and who oozes a vibe of mystery along with the bruised and slightly broken Bowen. His hurt over not being there when Kevan needed him was palpable and was a redeeming quality after all the pain his addiction wrought which has me rooting for him wholeheartedly. From start to finish this was a fast-paced read set on the outskirts of the music world. Concerts and the promotions leading up to the show were depicted but were mostly a reflection of the battle between Kevan and Mason. The romance and characters captivated me from the very start and I'm left counting down the days until we revisit the boys and girls of Manix Curse!
My rating for this is a B+
*I got this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Award-winning debut author KASEY LANE writes sexy romances featuring music, hot guys with ink, kick-ass women, and always a happily ever after. A California transplant, she lives with her high school crush turned husband, two smart but devilish kids, two Papillons, three cats, and several chickens in the lush Oregon forest.
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